Kingdom Hearts Re:coded Hits North America in January Too

Yesterday we told you that Kingdom Hearts Re:coded will reach Europe on January 14th 2011, with a North American release date yet to be confirmed. Now we've had it confirmed – if only it were always that quick – as launching on January 11th, 2011.

Here's the press release in all its Disney/Square Enix crossover glory.

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded for Nintendo DS™ will be available at North American retailers on January 11, 2011.

The latest installment in the KINGDOM HEARTS saga, KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded takes the exhilarating gameplay system the series is known for and adds some innovative new twists. Players can now dive into a new character growth system and enjoy an assortment of battle styles ranging from side-scrolling to shooting all in one gaming experience. Additionally, KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded includes the Avatar Menu, which utilizes the Nintendo DS Tag Mode capabilities, allowing players to trade customizable avatar profiles and playable maps with their friends. Each floor map acquired adds to the player's unique System Sector, which can be explored for items, experience points and even a friend's avatar items!

Find out why KINGDOM HEARTS is one of the most beloved video game series that has shipped more than 15 million copies worldwide. KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded invites players to step into Sora's shoes and unravel the secrets that lie in Jiminy Cricket's journal on January 11.

KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded will be playable at the upcoming New York Comic Con, taking place from October 8 - 10 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. Visit the Square Enix booth #1823 and be one of the first to experience the latest KINGDOM HEARTS adventure at this exciting pre-launch showing.StorySora's journey in KINGDOM HEARTS II has drawn to a close, and now a new tale is set to begin.Jiminy Cricket is looking over the journal he used to document his first adventure with Sora when he discovers a mysterious message. He didn't write it – so how on earth did it get there? King Mickey is determined to find out, so he and his friends decide to digitize the journal and delve into its deepest secrets. Inside this "datascape" dwells a second Sora who is about to embark on a grand adventure of his very own.

FeaturesThe future of the KINGDOM HEARTS series arrives on Nintendo DS: From world-renowned creator and character designer Tetsuya Nomura comes the latest installment in the beloved KINGDOM HEARTS series. Sora, Mickey, Donald, Goofy and a host of familiar faces from KINGDOM HEARTS and FINAL FANTASY unite once again for an exciting new adventure.Classic KINGDOM HEARTS gameplay with innovative twists: All-new features include a new character growth system created specifically for the Nintendo DS release, building on the series' immersive blend of action and role-playing elements.

An assortment of diverse and entertaining boss battles: Guide Sora like never before through boss battles inspired by side-scrolling, shooting and classic FINAL FANTASY games.Endless possibilities in the Avatar Menu: Players can design their own avatar using over 800 unlockable parts and trade playable maps with friends.

KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded is rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded will be available for Nintendo DS at North American retailers nationwide for the suggested retail price of $34.99.The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/khrecoded.